A car can so quickly become a life-threatening heat trap

The baby is sleeping peacefully in the car seat, the toddler doesn’t feel like quickly coming along to the bakery, or the dog isn’t allowed in the shop. That’s when many people are tempted to “just quickly” run an errand and to briefly leave the baby, the child, or the dog in the car. Every summer, such decisions end in death.

Temperature rises rapidly in the car

The heat inside a car can very quickly rise to 40, 50 or even 60 degrees. This is especially life-threatening for babies and toddlers. At the end of June, an 18-month-old baby died in a car from overheating. The child had been left in the car by its father in Hesse. Suddenly, the car became a death trap for the child. Every year, you hear about such cases. People underestimate how quickly the temperature in a car can become life-threatening for babies and young children.

Babies and toddlers particularly at risk

Thermoregulation works differently in adults compared to babies and young children. As a result Children are more prone to overheating and can also suffer from heat stroke more quickly. Adults sweat when it gets too hot. This is how the body regulates its temperature. Infants, on the other hand, do not sweat at all yet. As a result, they are completely defenceless against the heat.

How can I recognise heatstroke in babies and toddlers?

If the baby or toddler is locked in a car in the heat, the first symptoms would be nausea, headaches and dizziness. If the body temperature continues to rise, the baby or toddler may lose consciousness. There is a risk of circulatory collapse and cramps. Lack of fluids causes the brain to swell and irritates the meninges.

Same danger with open windows

Even with an open one, there is still a risk to your baby's life., if you leave it in the car during summer. This was demonstrated by a study conducted by the ADAC. The automobile club tested identical cars with windows opened to varying degrees at an outside temperature of 28 degrees. There was hardly any difference compared to a car with closed windows. An example: With the window closed, the temperature rose to 45 degrees after ten minutes. In the car with two slightly open windows, the values rose to 42 degrees after ten minutes.

Source: ADAC e.V.

What should I do if I see a child alone in a parked car?

If you see a car parked in the sun with a child inside, you should first make sure whether the child still conscious If this is the case, try to find the parents as quickly as possible. If this is not immediately possible, Call the police directly or dial the emergency number 112. If the baby or child is already in mortal danger, for example because they are not responding, are you allowed to smash the window, to save the child. In any case, however, you should Always inform the police immediately and in advance. They will then also give you instructions on how best to break the window.

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